Evaluation of Improvement in Knowledge and Attitude of Primary School Teacher’s Towards Various Aspects of Paediatric Dentistry after Education Intervention

Abstract

Background: Dental Health Education in teachers has prominently invested the knowledge about
various aspects of paediatric dentistry. Oral health theories and implementations can be augmented
and reinforced by teachers who can work allied with dental professionals thereby bringing noteworthy
improvement in oral health status of children. Therefore it is analytical to ascertain knowledge and
positive attitude towards various aspects of paediatric dentistry of primary school teachers who are
a primary care giver and mentor to children. Material and Methods: The interventional study was
outlined by two stage cluster sample. A total of four thirty seven primary school teachers took part
in the research where the data was first collected by a close ended questionnaire. Re- evaluation was
conducted after the education intervention and the results were statistically examined. Results: Pre
tests revealed that only 52% primary school teachers had sufficient knowledge and positive attitude
towards various aspects of paediatric dentistry. After the education intervention, post tests revealed
75.5% primary school teacher’s good knowledge and positive attitude towards various aspects of
paediatric dentistry which was appreciated. It was found statistically significance after post intervention
with p<0.05. Conclusion: The study observes that the there is a notable innocence and knowledge gap
concerning the knowledge about oral health and various aspects of paediatric dentistry that a primary
school teacher holds and this has accentuated more the requirement of education intervention among
primary school teachers to bring out better oral health status in children.